Ethical Hacker Pre-Requisites

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Hacking is a term that plays a major role to affect the security of your system or software. In professional language, Hacking can further be classified into two parts according to the way people use it i.e. Black Hat Hacking and White Hat Hacking.

Black Hat Hacking involves the part where hacking is used for accomplishing illegal and unauthorized tasks. On the other hand, White Hat Hacking involves the part where hacking is used to take out security bugs from your system so that you can feel free to be focused on work only in a completely secured environment.

What is Ethical Hacking?

A White Hat Hacker can also be termed as an Ethical Hacker, which is a person that tests an organization’s IT security with the help of penetration testing techniques. By this, he/she finds vulnerabilities, so that the IT security staff can resolve them, strengthen security and minimize the risk factors. To get into Ethical Hacking field, there are no standard education criteria, however, it will be great if you have completed your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, information security, or even mathematics.

Prerequisites of Ethical Hacking

Numerous aspirants around us desire to step up in the Ethical Hacking sector, however, due to lack of essential information, they fail to do so and pursue some other technical field. To help all those candidates, here we are showcasing all the prerequisites required to be an ethical hacker. Kindly take a look at the following points.

Educational Requirements

As we have already mentioned above, there are no fixed or standard educational criteria to be an ethical hacker. Organizations generally impose their self made requirements for this position. Still, as we have already mentioned above, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mathematics, computer science or information security can prove to be useful for you. Moreover, for the non-college aspirants (The ones who left college long ago and are already serving for any organization), there is a high chance of their resumes getting noticed by hiring managers if they came from a military background, especially in intelligence.

Certification Requirements

There are a lot of ethical hacking and security-related IT certifications available in the market that can help you in knocking the door of this highly advanced technology. However, the Certified Ethical Hacker certification offered by the EC-Council is one fine starting point where you can have a perfect kickstart. The intermediate level CEH Certification aims at enumeration, system hacking, SQL injection, social engineering, viruses, and other attack forms.

Apart from this, the SANS GIAC curriculum and the PenTesting Hacking series by mile2 is are worth having a look to start your career in ethical hacking. SANS offered GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) Certification as well as the GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) Certification both are quite good for desiring white hat hackers.

On the other hand, the Pen Testing Hacking series by mile2 also offer many certifications including the foundational Certified Vulnerability Assessor (CVA), Certified Professional Ethical Hacker (CPEN), Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (CPTE), and the advanced-level Certified Penetration Testing Consultant (CPTC).

Certifications in Forensics

If you are working in the information security department of an organization, it will always be a benefit to stay in touch with computer forensics. It will undeniably be highly beneficial for all the ethical hacking aspirants to attain the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certification after completing their EC-Council certification lineup. The CHFI works on the forensic investigation process by utilizing correct techniques and tools in order to get computer forensic data and evidence.

During the training period of CHFI certification, aspirants will also learn how to crack passwords, recover deleted files, investigate network traffic and use different forensic tools to collect information. Apart from the CHFI, there are some other forensic certifications like GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA) and the High Tech Crime Network powered Certified Computer Forensic Technician and Certified Computer Crime Investigator certifications, that can prove to be worthy for your career.

Penetration Testing

First of all, we need to make it completely clear that Penetration Testing is not a casual task and needs a lot of planning and explicit permission from management. The tests also include many similar techniques used by the attackers to breach the organization’s network. Apart from this, you must also keep this thing in mind that penetration testing is not entirely digital. As a security expert, you will have to refer the security features of a facility or a site, which means you will have to take care of both Physical and Digital security of an organization.

A full-fledged penetration tester may also try to tailgate via an access gate, ask someone to hold the gate while seeking to bypass a keypad entry control system/a badge reader or use additional social engineering forms to get through the physical security barriers. Many of the information security certifications like CISM, Security+, and CISSP offer some coverage of physical security in their course. However, candidates, who are really interested in physical security can go for the PSP (Physical Security Professional) credential offered by ASIS International, which is undoubtedly like a cherry on the cake of security certifications.

Essential Points For Being An Ethical Hacker

After getting all the prerequisites to be an ethical hacker, all the aspirants need to be aware of some points that can help them get a boost in the starting of their career in this field. Here, we are showcasing you with all the important points that will help you grow in this highly advanced sector. Kindly take a look at the following points.

Ethical Hacker Duties

Being an Ethical Hacker is undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling and creative jobs available in the IT sector or cybersecurity. In simple words, we can say that the focus of an ethical hacker must remain stable to find out all the vulnerabilities before the black hat hackers. Hence, an ethical hacker must have to perform the following tasks to protect privacy violations and make their systems secured.

Research the desired target via both dark-web and open-source channels.

Scan the targeted systems and networks with open-source, custom, or commercial vulnerability scanners.

Design an attack plan, which includes exploiting systematic vulnerabilities, social manipulation, software vulnerabilities, or any additional combination of them.

By following these basic operations, an ethical hacker protects the violation of the private data of their organization. Moreover, we also desire to make it clear that Ethical Hacking is not a joy ride and requires high attention and problem-solving skills.

Hackers need to document all the steps taken to find the vulnerabilities and detail how they can be dangerous for client security systems. Apart from this, the EC-council has also elaborated some code of ethics for hackers that strictly need to be followed to be on the good side of this sector. You can check out all of the 19 code of ethics for hackers via the official website of the council.

Basic Skills of Ethical Hacking

Now, after getting all the basic information about ethical hacking, here comes the main part i.e. ‘Coding’. There are a lot of programming languages used by ethical hackers around the entire world. Hence, we cannot elaborate on how to make a program as there are a lot of options for you to choose.

However, we are showcasing some major programming languages used by hackers which will help you in choosing the best one for you to have to make a starting point. These programming languages have been divided into three categories according to the functions they perform. You can simply check them out in the below-given table:

Category

Details

Programming Language

Web Hacking

If you’re interested in web hacking/pen-testing and desire to hack websites and applications, then you must start with any of these programming languages displayed here.

HTML

JavaScript

SQL

PHP

Perl

Exploit Writing

Exploit writing is basically the advanced portion of the term which we call as hacking and it requires the knowledge of high-level programming languages. If you are the one desiring to build a professional career in cybersecurity, you must have knowledge of Exploit Writing.

C/C++

Python

Ruby

Java

LISP

Reverse Engineering

Reverse Engineering can also be termed as Back Engineering. It is used to extract information from any source and then reproduce it by using that gained information. Back Engineering can also be used to crack media or software to wash out their copy protection.

Assembly Language

Apart from this, there are many other programming languages such as Haskell, Clojure, CoffeeScript, Scala, Scheme, Erlang, Lua, etc, that can help you in getting close to ethical hacking.

Ethical Hacking Softwares

Apart from programming languages, there are numerous ethical hacking tools and softwares available in the market that can ease your ethical hacking tasks. Here, we are showcasing some of the ethical hacking tools available across the globe. Kindly take a look at the below-given table.

Tool Name

Introduction

Download Link

Netsparker

It is a web application security scanner, which is used to find XSS, SQL Injection and additional vulnerabilities in your web services and web applications.

Apart from these, there are many other ethical hacking software available in the digital market (such as NMAP, Metasploit, Cain & Abel, EtherPeek, SuperScan, LC4, LANguard Network, Security Scanner, Network Stumbler, and ToneLoc) that are worthy of having a look.

Type of OS an Ethical Hacker Must Know

Selecting the right operating system to perform operations is one of the key parts for an ethical hacker. There are many operating systems available in the market, however, being a professional ethical hacker, you need an OS that can help you to perform tasks in cybersecurity. After doing some research, we came to the conclusion that all the finest operating systems for ethical hacking are completely based on Linux.

Hence, Linux will be the best OS to start from if you desire to build a career in ethical hacking. For your convenience, here, we are showcasing some of the best-operating systems based on the Linux kernel, which are supposed to be the best ones in the market of ethical hacking. Kindly take a look at the table given below:

Are Networking Protocols Important for Ethical Hacking? In general language, hacking can be termed as an operation, in which we get in someone else’s system and access its data. This operation is not possible without making a connection between your system and the other one. So, yes, we can say that if you are willing to make a career in ethical hacking, ethical hacking can prove to be one perfect companion to be with.

Networking is basically an exercise of exchanging data between two system nodes. This exercise not only comprises building a network (i.e., designing, constructing, and using it) but also keeping it healthy (i.e., manage, maintain, and operate it).

To learn this technique, you can get through some certifications offered by Cisco, including CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician), CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), and CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert). These all are the certifications offered by Cisco that goes according to the perfection and advancement of the aspirant. Moreover, Mindmajix has also been proved to be a pioneer in providing CCNA training with the best in the sector instructors. With the help of its training, you can get your CCNA certification without facing any kind of hurdle.

Apart from this, the gigantic networking organization is also offering 5 additional network design certifications for the advancement of knowledge. All of these 5 certifications can be seen in the following points elaborated below:

CCENT- It is the starting level of certification that covers basic knowledge of networking. During past few years, Cisco has made it a pre-requirement certification for all further courses.

CCDE- The Cisco-Certified Design Expert (CCDE) certification runs along with the CCIE program and needs an expert level network design skills to get completed.

CCAr- It stands for Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) certification and can be attained after getting CCDE certification, nearly 10 years of industry experience, and a self-accepted application process.

Knowledge of Legal Issues

After getting all the knowledge to start your hacking career, you need to understand that it is a highly responsible duty. You can get into trouble while doing even the smallest of the mistakes in this business. The legal risks of it include lawsuits because of having disclosures of confidential and personal information.

These disclosures can fetch you in a legal battle with the organization. Ethical hacking can easily turn to be a headache for you if not performed properly. Being an ethical hacker, it is also possible for you to commit errors at a point where an organization’s profitability get negatively affected.

If this happens, the organization can take legal action against the ethical hacker for being a risk to its data. To dodge these legal issues, an ethical hacker must always play defensive in order to minimize the compromising of a client’s network or system. Playing defensive will emphasize extra caution and prevention in ethical hacking.

Certified Ethical Hacking Course at Mindmajix

Certified Ethical Hacking certification is undeniably the first and important step to boost your career in the ethical hacking sector. Hence, selecting the right training institute is an essential part, as it will create a base for you in gaining knowledge in this field. Mindmajix can prove to be the perfect guide for you here, as it is the pioneer in providing Certified Ethical Hacking training.

We, at Mindmajix, are offering you highly skilled trainers along with customized course content and many other facilities that can make your learning experience, even more, smarter and easier. After getting trained by Mindmajix professionals, you can get your EC-Council CEH certification very easily.

CEH Exam Details

Now, when we have all the details of ethical hacking, let us now discuss the details of your respective Certified Ethical Hacking exam. First of all, we need to make it clear that the application is a mandatory part for all the test takers who desire to face the examination without undergoing the training process.

In order to apply for the CEH exam, a candidate must have a minimum of 2 years of working experience in the Information Security domain and must also have a proof to claim it. The organization will charge an application fee of $100, which is non-refundable. After getting your application approved, you can purchase the exam voucher either from the EC-Council authorized training channels or via its Online Store. Furthermore, here we are showcasing some key points of CEH exam, which can help you in many ways. Kindly take a look at the below-mentioned table:

Application Processing Time

5-10 Working Days

Application Validation (Valid For)

3 Months

Duration of Exam

4 Hours

Number of Questions

125

The format of CEH Exam

MCQ Based

The exam sessions must be booked at least 3 days before your desired exam date and you can take the exam at the Pearson Vue Centre and ECC Exam Centre. The passing percentage of this exam cannot be predicted as it differs according to the difficulty level of your examination. Before heading on with the examination, you have to keep the below-given things as a necessity:

Run an equipment test

Carry an identification proof

Must have a valid exam voucher

Now, you must be curious to know about the retake policy of it, so you keep this in mind that the retake exam requests can only attained by writing to the organization at feedback@ecouncil.org. Additional details related to the retake policy can simply be grabbed via official website of company.

FAQs

Q1. Why is getting certified an important part of an ethical hacking career?

A certification in ethical hacking is like a touchpoint for your career where it gets boosted up. CEH was the pioneer to bring “black hat” hacking tricks in front of IT professionals. HRs in numerous companies shortlist candidates on the basis of this certification.

Q2. What career opportunities are available to Ethical Hacking boot camp graduates?

An ethical hacking certification is undoubtedly the best option to make a marvelous start in the IT Security sector. The CEH certification is the basic requirement for security related jobs, specifically jobs related to penetration testing and social engineering. Ethical Hacking boot camp graduates get much higher salary as compared to the non-certified professionals.

Q3. How much programming experience is typically required?

You can start your ethical hacking tutorials without any knowledge of programming. However, it would not be recommended by anyone, as you must have a reasonable knowledge of programming. Furthermore, as a professional ethical hacker, it would be great if you have a solid understanding of at least one programming language along with familiarity of networking concepts such as TCP/IP protocols and experience in using Unix and/or Linux..

Q4. How has the ethical hacking industry grown in recent years? Has the need for ethical hacking skills changed in the last five or 10 years?

With the evolution of IT sector, the upbringing of cyber crimes also took place. For example, there was a breach in the Sony Network’s online security framework in 2011, due to which almost 77 million customer records got leaked online.

Moreover, in 2015 a giant telecommunications company named TalkTalk also suffered a breach that resulted of leaking nearly 150,000+ customers’ data. This is the reason ethical hacking is a highly demanding sector and can make you attain the highest peak of your career. In the United States, the ethical hacker represents an industry of approximately $4 billion USD.

Q5. What job titles are most common for people who hold the EC-Council CEH certification?

After getting your EC-Council CEH certification, you can apply for a number of lucrative posts. Some common job titles after getting CEH certification can be seen in the below mentioned points:

Network Security Specialist

IT Security Specialist

IT Security Consultant

Security Administrator

Penetration Tester

Ethical Hacker

IT Auditor

Site Administrator

Business and Hiring Managers

Computer Forensics Analyst

Homeland Security Specialist

Q6. How difficult is it to find security flaws in companies with significant resources? Do hackers still get paid if they fail to find security flaws?

Finding a security flaw can sometime be easy, while sometime, it can be a pain in the head. However, it will take some time as you will have to document each and every step you take to take out the security flaw. Apart from this, it takes time to take out the security flaws and you get paid if you are having a full-time opportunity.

Q7. How much room for creativity is there in an ethical hacking job role? Are there many ways to hack a particular kind of network?

There is a great room of creativity for ethical hacking job roles. The ethical hacking requires a specific kind of problem solving mindset. Being an ethical hacker, you will need to uncover different ways malicious actors can harm systems. Yes, there are many ways to hack a system network.

Q8. What hardware and software are needed to complete the Ethical Hacking boot camp?

Ethical Hacking boot camp does not demand any special kind of software and hardware equipments. All you need is a stable internet connection and a personal computer, which is able to perform streaming operations.

Q9. After I complete the Ethical Hacking boot camp, what software and/or hardware will I need to continue sharpening my ethical hacking skills on my own?

The CEH course offered by Mindmajix packs an enterprise set of training tools, which include each and every program and tool included in the course. This great collection of variety of tools comes at an affordable price, and it have all the things and ethical hacker needs in the practical world. After completing your CEH course, you can easily get your CEH certification via EC-Council without facing any hurdle.

Q10. Is the online Ethical Hacking boot camp as effective and informative as an in-person classroom course?

The online Ethical Hacking boot camp offers you the same learning experience you get in a physical classroom without any hustle and transportation cost. You can interact with the instructor like the way you do in a physical course. Moreover, you will get additional benefits via an online course like recordings of daily lessons, detailed reporting on exam readiness, etc.

Q11. Is it possible to receive one-on-one mentoring from an Ethical Hacking boot camp instructor? How much feedback will I receive on my coursework?

Of course, You can have one-on-one chat sessions with the instructor as it is an essential part of online ethical hacking boot camp course. To ensure your learning skills for passing the CEH examination, instructors pay 100% attention as well as time on the students.

Q12. Does the program offer training on ethical hacking specialization skills?

Q13. Why is the Ethical Hacking boot camp a necessary addition to the other popular certification programs?

The CEH certification by EC-Council offers you a deep knowledge of penetration testing and ethical hacking. By this, you can easily reach at the top in the field of cyber security.

Q14. What does this training offer that other certification prep courses do not?

Our training for CEH certification at Mindmajix comprises one of the best competition passing rates in the Industry. With the help of our highly skilled instructors and user friendly course structure, we will make you clear the exam with high precision.

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About The Author

Ravindra Savaram is a Content Lead at Mindmajix.com. His passion lies in writing articles on the most popular IT platforms including Machine learning, DevOps, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, RPA, Deep Learning, and so on. You can stay up to date on all these technologies by following him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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